3510 Fort Charles

I found my inspiration for this project through a small collection of vintage glass floats, the kind that were used by fishermen to keep their nets buoyant. The beautiful greens and blues of the sea glass anchored the color scheme, and helped me to design a house congruent with it’s surroundings. Here, nature’s elements converge: the Gulf of Mexico’s water meets sand and mangrove trees, which meets the vast blue sky. And tranquility is the result – a true sanctuary.

Beads of sea glass are one of my favorite things – piled on a footed platter they get the attention they deserve. Embroidery and nail heads on the custom chairs add a refined touch against the stainless base and reclaimed wood top on the dining table.

The European oiled oak floors that run throughout the home help to tie the spaces in this open floor plan together. Woven raffia on the walls of this study echo the texture of the trees and grasses outside with French doors leading out to the pool.

The ombre fabric on the drapes and the embroidered pillows bring the blue-green colors upstairs. The upholstered ottoman in blue stripe anchors the seating group and invites you to put your feet up and relax.

In the VIP guest suite I used neutral colors to let the textures come through. Horn lamps on the bedside table, bedside bookcases wrapped in burlap, a zinc headboard, and a floor lamp of oyster shells, metal and raw crystal. Layering textures and celebrating the raw, organic beauty of natural materials gives a room authenticity and depth of character.

Each guest bath has a personality of its own, featuring creams, greys, blues and greens. I varied the materials, the balance of color and texture so that each space has a unique point of view and its own beauty to share.

The Powder Bath (middle right) walls are covered with wallpaper reminiscent of the inside of an antique book, paired with a natural quartz countertop in soft blue with naturally occurring green veins. Crystal knobs on the cabinet and on the stem of the sconces complete the careful layering of detail in this little jewel box of a room.

The radius front profile on this rattan-detailed vanity showcases natural, organic rattan used in an unexpectedly sophisticated way. The leathered granite countertop with its natural crystal formations lends a touch of subtle glamor and compliments the polished nickel faucets.